Statement from the Management Board

Statement on the Russia-Ukraine war from the Management Board of the RSCDS

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) is a global organisation with members in 36 countries outside the UK, including Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.  We are deeply saddened by the way this conflict has affected our members.  We unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent actions by the armed forces of the Russian Federation which have led to so much death and suffering.

We are deeply worried about the fate of our dancers in Ukraine and very much want them to remain within the dancing community.  As a first step, the small number of current members and the affiliated group in Ukraine will have their fees paid for the next two years using donations from members.  We encourage our members and branches to participate in humanitarian relief activities already set up by various national and international organisations.  The Society will continue to monitor how the war is affecting our members and will be responsive to any requests for help from dancers in Ukraine that lie within our power.

The Management Board has decided that our magazine will not accept articles from dancers in Russia.  We realise that our individual Russian members may deplore the war as much as the rest of the world and may not have access to unbiased reports on the atrocities that are being carried out in their name.  But, until the war is over, these restrictions must remain.  We are still their friends and look forward to a time of peace when the great social activity that is Scottish country dancing can be global again.

UPDATE from the Management Board: 

In line with the current sanctions imposed by the UK government, the Society will not publicise any reference to Russian Branches / Affiliated Groups or their activities. The Society is also unable to accept any payment originating from Russia at this time due to the sanctions.